Accies 2 Dumbarton 1: C.I.S.Cup Round 1: 9 August 2005

C.I.S.Cup Round 1

New Douglas Park, Hamilton, 9 August 2005

Report by Gilbert Mowat

This Accies team seems to be making a habit of leaving things just a fraction late. If the fans' blood pressure wasn't tested enough by Lee Hardy's late winner at Brechin on Saturday, they followed it up with a disappointing performance that was rescued by an extremely late double by Scott Tunbridge. I suspect that most people in the ground were resigned to the fact that Accies were going to lose this game when Scott intervened.

Manager Billy Reid made several changes to the team from Saturday, presumably with one eye on the visit from league leaders St Johnstone on Saturday. Marvyn Wilson, John Robertson, Mark McLaughlin, Stuart Balmer and Pat Keogh were all missing, with Andy Sim, James McArthur, Tony Stevenson, Scott Tunbridge and Lee Hardy all starting the game in their places.

Accies did start the game quite brightly and should have taken the lead within the first ten minutes when Lee Hardy fired over a brilliant cross from the left. Unfortunately, it was just out of Brown Ferguson's reach. Accies were certainly in charge at the start, so it was a bit of a shock to the system when Dumbarton took the lead after 11 minutes. They won a corner on the left and Andy Rodgers was left unmarked at the back post to head home. It was a poor goal to lose but the Sons really took heart from it.

The visitors were certainly the better team for the remainder of the half and it seemed that the Accies defence got an attack of the jitters. The ball was knocked out of play due to misplaced passes on several occasions and it seemed that this malaise spread throughout the team. Accies did have a couple of good efforts before the break, with Scott Tunbridge in particular bringing a good save out of the Dumbarton 'keeper.

There were no changes at half time and the Sons continued to control things in the early part of the second half, with former Accies defender Rab Walker having an outstanding game in the heart of their defence. Before the hour mark, Billy Reid decided that more experience was needed and brought on John Robertson and Pat Keogh for Andy Sim and James McArthur. The Sons weren't deterred and after Tony Stevenson gave away a clumsy foul outside the area, John Dillon cracked a brilliant free kick against the crossbar.

The game seemed to open out a bit after this and Accies began to come into the match more. First of all, Lee Hardy got onto a brilliant through ball from Pat Keogh but his quick shot flew across the goal. Then, one of their players sent a high bouncing pass back which bounced over the goalie's head but then just managed to clear ahead of Brian Carrigan. By this stage, Accies were attacking in great numbers but were always vulnerable to the quick counter attack. Lee Hardy also fired in a good shot from long range that was parried around the post.

Brown Ferguson had been limping for a while and eventually agreed to be replaced, with Mark McLaughlin taking his place. Accies had three players forward by now as they realised that a sharp exit from the Cup was on the cards. The equaliser came out of the blue. With only 6 minutes left, Scott Tunbridge received the ball about 20 yards out, controlled it quickly and fired it goalwards. The goalkeeper seemed to dive the wrong way (perhaps a deflection?) and the ball flew into the net. It seemed harsh on the visitors, but worse was to follow for them just a couple of minutes later, when Scott Tunbridge chased a sliced clearance into the area and bundled the ball past the goalkeeper and (just) over the line.

There was just time for a couple of poor Dumbarton attacks and the game was over. Sandy Hodge and Lee Hardy were yellow carded for avoidable fouls.

This was not a good performance from Accies, but a cup win is always very welcome. Dumbarton played well and must have been shattered by the final result.

Hamilton: McEwan, Stevenson, Thomson, Hodge, Hardy, McArthur (Robertson 55), Sim (Keogh 55), Ferguson (McLaughlin 76), Bennett, Tunbridge, Carrigan.

Subs Not Used: McLeod, Jellema. Booked: Hodge, Hardy. Goals: Tunbridge 84, 87.

Dumbarton: Wight, Smith, Dobbins, Walker, Borris, Dillon, Ronald, MacDonald, Allen (Ferry 47), McQuilken (Gentle 82), Rodgers (Russell 77).

Subs Not Used: Bannerman, Grindlay. Booked: Allen. Goal: Rodgers 10.

Att: 627

Ref: J Underhill

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